Can I swim during a trip?

Education in Dubai blends tradition with modern approaches. Public schools are free for UAE citizens and teach a national curriculum in Arabic, with a focus on Islamic values. However, most expats send their children to international schools, where instruction is in English according to British, American, or IB programs. I visited the Dubai International Academy and was impressed by its multinational environment: students from over 70 countries learn together, sharing their cultural experiences. Higher education is represented by branches of renowned universities, such as New York University Abu Dhabi and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, as well as local universities. The city actively invests in education, striving to become a center of knowledge and innovation in the region.

Dubai has become an international business hub thanks to its free economic zones, such as the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Companies here can benefit from tax exemptions, 100% foreign ownership, and simplified registration procedures. I have spoken to entrepreneurs who have noted the high speed of business establishment and government support.

Dubai prides itself on its cultural program, offering festivals for all tastes. Dubai Shopping Festival, held in January-February, combines shopping with entertainment, fireworks, and concerts. I attended Dubai Food Festival, where I was able to try dishes from local and international chefs, participate in masterclasses, and visit farmers' markets. Art Dubai is the largest art fair in the Middle East, bringing together artists and collectors from around the world. I was impressed by the diversity of the works presented, from traditional to avant-garde. During Ramadan Night Market, you can get acquainted with the culture and traditions of Ramadan, try national dishes, and buy unique souvenirs.

The climate in Dubai is desert, with very hot summers and warm winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 40°C, and in winter the average daytime temperatures are about 25°C. Precipitation is rare and mainly in winter.

Driving in Dubai is organized to a high standard, but there are a few things to note. Driving is on the right-hand side of the road and the roads are generally of a high quality, making driving easy. However, traffic during rush hour can be heavy, especially on major roads like Sheikh Zayed Road. Speed and traffic cameras are in operation throughout the city, and fines can be substantial. I hired a car and found that local drivers can be quite fast and sometimes make unexpected maneuvers, so it’s important to be attentive. Parking can be expensive in the city center, but shopping malls often offer free parking. Public transport, including the metro and tram, is a good alternative for getting around the city.

Smoking in Dubai is regulated by law to protect public health. Smoking is prohibited in public places such as shopping malls, restaurants, offices, and transport. However, many establishments have specially designated smoking areas. I have noticed that restaurants and cafes usually have a separation into smoking and non-smoking areas. Violating the rules can result in fines for both the smoker and the establishment. This helps create a comfortable environment for everyone and maintain cleanliness in the city.

There are several official taxi companies operating in Dubai: - Dubai Taxi Corporation: The main state-owned taxi company with various types of taxis (standard, women's, for people with disabilities, etc.). - Careem and Uber: International taxi services through mobile applications.

Dubai's nightlife offers a variety of options for entertainment. I visited the Dubai Fountain — a musical fountain at the base of the Burj Khalifa, where the light and water show creates a captivating spectacle. City Walk and La Mer are popular areas with restaurants, cafes, and shops, perfect for evening strolls. Club enthusiasts can visit Zero Gravity or WHITE Dubai, where world-renowned DJs and artists perform. For a more cultural experience, the Dubai Opera offers shows, concerts, and musicals. Night markets and festivals, especially during the season, add vibrancy and allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

Sea cruises offer a new perspective on Dubai. I went on an evening cruise through Dubai Marina on a traditional dhow boat. The city lights reflected in the water, creating a magical atmosphere. Dinner on board with local cuisine and live music made the evening unforgettable. For those seeking luxury, yacht rentals are available, allowing you to explore the coast, see the Palm Jumeirah, and Burj Al Arab from the sea. Cruises to Bluewaters Island, home to Ain Dubai, the world's largest observation wheel, are also popular. Deep-sea fishing and water sports complete the list of water-based entertainment.

The main characteristics that you should pay attention to when choosing a yacht: Size: Length and width of the yacht, number of cabins and berths. Draft: The depth to which the yacht is submerged, which is important for sailing in shallow areas. Hull material: The material (fiberglass, aluminum, steel, etc.) affects the strength and weight of the yacht. Speed: The maximum speed and cruising speed of the yacht. Autonomy: Fuel and water supply, availability of water desalination and power supply systems. Navigation and safety systems: Availability of modern navigation equipment, rescue equipment and communication systems.